Enriched Family Holiday Gift Guide 2021
Photo by Ylanite Koppens from Pexels
Holiday Gifting for Kids: Educational and Experience Gift Ideas
The holidays are a wonderful time to find thoughtful gifts for our loved ones, but this time of year can also be overwhelming. Add on likely shipping delays due to global supply chain issues and Hanukkah arriving on the heels of Thanksgiving this year, I figured parents could use some gift idea help. With this thought in mind, I have created the third annual Enriched Family Holiday Gift Guide (for kids - up to tweens/teens). In this feature, I’ve updated previous years’ posts and included new ideas. I’m sure y’all already know the list of toys that your kids are clamoring for, so I have focused largely on educational and experience gifts, along with some great graphic novel, book, and magazine recommendations. I have tried to include gifts at a variety of price points. Please note, I have included links to Amazon (where available) simply for ease of finding and pricing (please note pricing was as of 11/8/21 and may change) the various gift ideas (not affiliate links). Many of these gifts can be found locally as well. I have girls (ages 9 and 12), so some of the gift ideas are informed by their interests, but most suggestions would be great for all kids.
Magazine Subscriptions
Magazines are such a great gift. Kids love getting mail and are able to enjoy their gift in installments over the course of the year.
This year, I will be gifting:
Muse magazine to my youngest. MUSE is a science and arts magazine for kids ages 9 to 14. Kids who can't help wondering whether video games really kill their brain cells, or what a gentleman ladybug is called, will find the answers in articles written by award-winning authors and accompanied by high-quality illustration and photography. 2020 Parents' Choice Gold Award. This advertising free magazine is delivered 9 times per year by mail. $21.95 for an annual subscription.
My oldest will be getting OYLA magazine, an ad-free, monthly independent science magazine for kids (12+). 12 issues for $84; 6 issues for $42.
If your children are younger, National Geographic Kids magazine (designed especially for children ages 6-9) or National Geographic Little Kids magazine (for children ages 3-6) would be good options. Either subscription includes 10 issues for $20.
Books & Graphic Novels
My girls have been super into graphic novels for several years now. I’ve included a roundup of some of their favorites, as well as some additional book selections. If you still need some book guidance, Brightly is a wonderful resource. You can look up book suggestions by age and genre.
All images in this section from Amazon
My girls love Raina Telgemeier’s books. This box set of four award-winning graphic novels about family, friendship, and the highs and lows of growing up would be a great gift idea for tweens and teens. Grades 3-7. $34.70 for the box set.
This collection of the first five books of the New York Times bestselling Wings of Fire series is a great bet for kids 8-12 who enjoy fantasy. $27.48 for the set.
This naked-eye astronomy book looks amazing (also includes things you can see with binoculars and telescopes). $11.21. There is also a terrestrial version, “50 Things to Do in the Wild.” $16.70
My oldest daughter (12) really enjoys coming-of-age novels. Each Little Bird That Sings is her all-time favorite. I think she has read it at least three or four times. It is a sad story (the lead character lives in a funeral home and so death is a part of her daily life), but ultimately uplifting, as well as funny. A good book for children that deals with the tough subject of death. Teacher’s pick for ages 8-12. $7.98
Best Friends along with Real Friends and Friends Forever are wonderful graphic novels for late elementary schoolers and early middle schoolers (ages: 8-11). The books focus on growing up and friendship. $25.62 for all three.
This is How We Do It: One Day in the Lives of Seven Kids from around the World is a great book for younger kids interested in the lives of children in other countries. Ages: 5-8. $12.31
The Dictionary of Difficult Words is a delightful, illustrated coffee table book for kids and adults alike who are interested in language & expanding their vocabularies. Ages 7+. $16.62
This is another coming-of-age favorite: Ivy Aberdeen’s Letter to the World. It is a sweet book about identity, sexual orientation, friendship, family, and love. Teacher’s pick for ages 8-12. $6.79
The Emmie & Friends series, including Invisible Emmie, Positively Izzy, and Just Jaime, deals with middle school drama and friendship. For kids ages 9-11 years. $29.69 for all three.
I loved playing Cat’s Cradle when I was younger. I thought this would be a fun joint gift for my daughters. Book here. $9.99 String here. $9.99
A History of Pictures for Children: From Cave Paintings to Computer Drawings. Art history for kids ages 10-14. A children’s version from the author of A History of Pictures. $13.19
Out of My Mind is another wonderful, coming-of-age teacher’s pick for ages 10+. $8.48. The sequel, Out of My Heart, is on my older daughter’s wish list. The books feature the life and brilliant mind of Melody Brooks, a nonverbal 10-year-old girl born with cerebral palsy. $15.19
Legend of the Star Runner and Legacy of the Inventor are solve-them-yourself mystery adventure books for kids ages 8-12. $19.68 for both.
My youngest daughter loves to ask us “Would you rather…?” questions. Given her penchant for scatalogical and gross-out humor, Would You Rather? Eww! Edition, would be a hit. Ages 8-12. $4.89
The Confidence Code for Girls. This empowering, entertaining guide from the bestselling authors of The Confidence Code gives girls the essential yet elusive code to becoming bold, brave, and fearless. Ages 8-12. $8.64
My girls loved this series of books when they were younger. You & your kids will love these inclusive stories about creative & smart outside-the-box children. Aaron Slater, Illustrator, is the latest, but there are three other books in the series. Highly recommend all four books for ages 5-7. Set of four: $41.01.
Photo by Adi Goldstein on Unsplash
Coding Gifts for Kids: Artie 3000, Sphero Bolt, Sphero Mini, & Lego Boost
Image from Amazon
Artie, the drawing robot. You design the code, and Artie 3000 draws the lines! Ages 7+. Currently on sale for $58.99.
Image from Amazon
Though I included the Sphero BOLT and the Sphere Mini in previous years’ gift guides, I think they are cool enough to include again.
Sphero BOLT is an app-enabled robot ball with programmable sensors + LED matrix - infrared & compass - STEM educational toy for kids. Learn JavaScript, Scratch & Swift. Ages 8 and up. $149.99
Image from Amazon
If the Sphero BOLT is a bit too expensive or you are worried about making such an investment not knowing if your kid(s) will really enjoy coding, check out the Sphero Mini. It is also an app-controlled robotic ball. It can be driven, used for gaming, and for coding. Comes in a variety of colors. Ages 8 and up. $49.99
Image from Amazon
Inspire kids to bring their LEGO creations to life with the LEGO BOOST Creative Toolbox, the fun and easy entry to building and coding smart toys for kids ages 7-12. By downloading the free LEGO Boost app and following the step-by-step instructions, kids can learn how to master programming robots all by themselves. Inside are instructions for Vernie the Robot, the M.T.R.4 (Multi-Tooled Rover 4), a robust, versatile rover with 4 different tool attachments including a spring-loaded shooter; the Guitar4000, a musical instrument with pitch bend and sound effects; Frankie the Cat, an interactive pet that plays, purrs, and expresses its mood; and the AutoBuilder, an automated production line that actually builds miniature LEGO models! $159.95
Coding Classes & Camps
Coding classes & camps are a great gift for STEM-oriented kids. Prices vary. For local classes, check out:
My Coding Place offers virtual and studio STEM camps & classes, from coding to robotics and AI, as well as chess, math, and digital arts. Located on Far West Blvd in Austin.
Code Galaxy offers online classes, 1x1 tutoring, and camps. Topics include Scratch, Minecraft, HTML, Java Script, Python, and CAD.
Family Experiences & Activities
Photo by Kampus Production from Pexels
Engage your thespian, art, yogi, nature, science, and history enthusiasts and so on, by gifting annual subscriptions or individual show or class tickets that you can enjoy as a family at museums, theaters, STEM centers, nature centers, and on the yoga mat. These are great ideas for grandparents and other family members to gift to the whole family!
Here are a few local, Austin experience gift ideas to consider:
Tickets for the whole family to a Zach Theatre show. Prices vary.
Thinkery Family Membership Subscription. Thinkery is where Austin’s children and their families come to enjoy play-based, inquiry-rich, hands-on learning experiences. They are a STEAM engine to power kids’ imagination, creativity, and love of learning. $115 for an annual subscription for a family of four.
Family Membership to the Science Mill (in Johnson City). The Science Mill’s mission is for all students—regardless of economic status, location, gender or race—to have equitable access to STEM programs and be able to envision themselves in a future career in STEM. Through their highly interactive museum and innovative STEM programs, they inspire students’ curiosity and give them the confidence, tools and support they need to reach their full potential as a skilled member in the 21st-century STEM workforce. $100 for an annual subscription for a family of four.
Annual Family Membership to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The University of Texas at Austin Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center uses native plants to restore and create sustainable, beautiful landscapes. They carry out their mission to inspire the conservation of native plants through their gardens, research, education, and outreach programs. $85 for annual membership benefits for two adults and children or grandchildren under 18.
Family Membership to the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Opened in 2001 as the official history museum of the State of Texas, they engage the broadest possible audience to interpret the continually unfolding Story of Texas through meaningful educational experiences. A family membership (2 adults + children) is $80/year.
Family yoga classes. ATX Yoga Girl offers Parent & Tot Yoga (ages 18 months-3 yrs) at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center every 1st & 3rd Tuesday at 10am (January-August; please note, classes will not be held on November 16, December 21, and January 4). This playful, lighthearted class delights little ones and adults alike! Families find fun, laughter and calm practicing yoga poses and breathing exercises together. This class takes place in person at the Wildflower Center. Space is limited and registration is required. Face masks are optional at this time. $6 per parent/child pair for Wildflower Center Members; $12 per parent/child pair for non-members.
Subscription Gift Boxes for Kids
I love a subscription gift box, as do my children. There is something so fun about the surprise of the first box and the anticipation of next. There are a million subscription gift boxes out there for all ages and interests. Here are a few of my family’s favorites and more:
Little Passports - Design your gift box based on the child’s age and interests. Subscriptions range from $20.95-$27.95/monthly, with the price dropping $2-4 dollars a month if you sign up for a 6- or 12-month subscription. In addition, they are currently offering 20%-off sitewide with the code: WONDERS.
Options include Culture and Geography for ages 3-5 (Early Explorers: Discover the world’s wonders, from oceans to art to animals with new hands-on activities, games, and stories each month); 6-10 (World Edition: Explore a new country each month with hands-on activities, stories, and souvenirs that spark curiosity and connection); and 7-12 (USA Edition: Take an action-packed road trip to new states each month).
STEM for ages 5-8 (Science Junior: Ignite curiosity with creative, hands-on science activities each month) and 8+ (Science Expeditions: Explore a new science topic each month with experiments, inventions, comic books, and badges).
Lillypost - Discover new children’s books, delivered monthly. Board and picture book boxes for kids newborn to 7-years-old. You can feel extra good about this gift box: For every box they ship, Lillypost donates a book to a child in need. A Lillypost box starts at $19.95/month + $4.95/box shipping + tax. The prices drops as you increase the length of the subscription. Choose from:
The Board Book Box, which comes with 4 books, is perfect for ages 0-3. The Picture Book Box, which comes with 3 books, is great for ages 4-7. The Mixed Book Box, which comes with 2 picture books and 1 board book, is for families who are looking for books at different reading levels.
Kiwi Co Crates - Hands-on science and art projects for ages 0-16+ (you choose among nine crates that best fit the child’s age and interests). This year, I purchased three months of the Tinker Crate (younger daughter) and the Doodle Crate (older daughter). $20.95/month for 3 months (price goes down $2-3/month for 6- or 12-month subscriptions).
Tinker Crate (9-14). A laboratory for hands-on STEM projects infusing STEM concepts into each crate's themes with enriching projects and activities that are accessible and fun for all types of learners.
Doodle Crate (9-16+). Doodle Crate is an invitation for young makers to express themselves creatively. Dig into fun crafting tools and interesting techniques, and see how materials can transform.
Little Sous - This monthly cooking subscription box for kids and parents is great gift for your budding chef and a wonderful way to spend some quality time with your kiddo. Little Sous was created for kids 5+. Kids 7 and under will collaborate more with an adult, while kids who are 8+ can complete most of the lessons/recipes on their own. Each box includes 6-8 hours of themed, screen-free, cooking lessons and activities that will empower your kids to live a healthy life. They also provide a kid-safe kitchen tool sourced from top culinary brands in each box. $24.99/month; $22.49 per kit for 6 months; or $19.99 per kit for 12 months.
Bokksu. My younger daughter is currently fascinated by Anime and learning about Japanese culture. I plan to gift her a 3-month Bokksu, which delivers the experience of tasting authentic Japanese snacks, candies, and teas sourced directly from family-run businesses in Japan. $134.85 for a three-month subscription. Each box comes with:
20-24 Japanese snacks, candies, and a tea pairing curated around a fun cultural theme.
16+ page Culture Guide Magazine that details each product's origin, flavors, and even common allergens.
Can’t get enough subscription gift box ideas? Check out ThriftyCrates’ roundup of the best subscription boxes (not just for kids, but you can do a search & find for “kids” if you just want to focus on kids’ boxes).
Small Gifts and/or Fun Stocking Stuffers
Essential Oil Bath Bombs - 6 for $11.99
Rubik’s Cube - $10.99
Uno Minecraft Card Game - $6.99
Olive & June Poppy polish bottle handle for painting your own nails. Great gift for tweens or teens - $16
Personalized Pencils - Varies.
Long Range Walkie Talkies (give one to each sibling) - 3 pack for $30.98
Uni-Posca Pens - $25
Crazy Aaron’s Thinking Putty - varies
ThePawfectPatch shop on Etsy makes custom, embroidered, iron-on pet patches (just send a picture of your beloved pet). I purchased one patch for each of my daughters of our dog, Lucky. Super cute! Pricing varies based on size and type of patch.
Life Hack
Let’s face it, many of our children are fortunate enough to have a lot of stuff. Before the holidays, I always try to make it a priority to clean out and organize my kids’ rooms with them. We always set aside a pile of gently-used toys and clothes to donate to other children. I hope this activity is a reminder to my kids about the importance of gratitude and recognizing the needs of others, not to mention the joys of having an organized space.
Enriched Family Concierge Services
If you need an extra set of qualified hands during this crazy time of year, please reach out. Enriched Family offers concierge services, including researching and purchasing gifts for any and all of your loved ones.
Happy gifting!
Esha/Enriched Family
Enriched Family is a unique, custom research & coaching business dedicated to providing families with the information, tools, and systems they need to live more organized and joyful lives. Services include: Custom family-focused research (child care, education, health and wellness resources, camps, and enrichment activities), family organization solutions (stuff and systems), and productivity coaching for busy, professional parents (planning and prioritizing, productivity consulting, scheduling, and time management coaching).
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